Can ELECTRIC 4WDs Go Offroad? Ford F150 Lightning Review 

Just bought a lariat lightning in Canada. Absolutely love the thing. Quality is unreal, nicest truck I've ever owned. Charge it at home, cheaper than a small car to run. Weighs in at 6700 lbs and drives like a dream. I have a 2020 5.0 and this thing makes the 5.0 look slow.

I think this needs to be a multi episode series, including a tow test, a long weekend camp, a tough track, and the finale of going across Australia.

I own one of these in the Lariat trim with extended battery. I live in the USA. If you owned it you would not put the 35" off road tires on it because the range suffers drastically. I'm sure it's fun if you don't own it. I love this truck and would not even consider trading it for a tesla cyber truck. As for that center table that you called useless. We were camping and it was raining so we put the microwave on that table and plugged it into the outlet on the dash and cooked lunch. Wonderful.

Well I've seen a lot of content on Ford F-150 Lightnings but that's the first time I've ever seen anything like that. That was very impressive. Good work.

USA here! First to throw a Four Wheel Campers Slide In model on mine. So far about 220 miles and I take it off road dry camp. Love those 35”!!

Absolutely suited to a certain type of person/buyer ! Your reaction was same as mine when I drive the Ford GT Mach-e 😂😂😂 power is insane. I think keeping an open mind is important with new vehicles but also telling it how it is. Great video boys 👍🏼

Definitely want to see you guys take it across Australia 😂

I have a Lightning here in Los Angeles, USA. Absolutely love it. Been driving it for 6 months.

I have a 2012 Nissan leaf that I lifted 2" and added bigger tires. It actually helped the range. Gave me an extra 12% range because there is no transmission, so the faster you want to go the faster the motor has to spin. So dropping the rpm of the motor helps and there's plenty of torque to turn the bigger tires. Only issue is the computer is off because you are traveling farther than the car thinks. I tow with it, costs me 40 cents to charge at home, 3 dollars to charge at a public charger. I have 18 vehicles and everything from 59 Ford to suburbans and jeeps. And I love the leaf and the f150 looks like a blast

Okay. I've gotta say it. There is a motor in that truck, There are 2 motors in it, but it doesn't have an engine in it. lol.

I have a latest generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and it's in many ways the perfect functional vehicle. 70km or so pure EV range (so no petrol used 95% of the time) but a full 800-900km range with a 56l fuel tank (cheap 91 ulp). Easy overnight charge on standard 240v socket. Dual motor all-wheel-drive with the same drive-train advantages as the Lightning demonstrates - all the torque from zero rpm and no need for gears or low-range and simply cannot stall. Obviously, being a softroader it doesn't have the clearance or underbody protection, but the CEO of Mits Aus took one across the Simpson Desert without mishap. Drives like a good EV on the road and a very comfortable and quick road-tripper. Icing on the cake though is the 240v inverter built in giving you a couple of standard sockets that can power sandwich toaster, coffee machine, induction hob etc with a huge battery capacity (which the engine can recharge as needed) - so it can also run part of your home in a black-out. Best of both worlds until the recharging infrastructure matures and the pricing of such becomes more reasonable (as it stands, although it's WAY cheaper for me to recharge at home, charging at retail chargers costs more than if I were to just use petrol instead.

I believe the rear differential is mechanical locked, activated electronically. As for doing something like a lap of Australia, it's already being done by people in Teslas and other EVs, so it should be possible. Some of those Tesla laps including towing a camper. Using an EV requires a different mindset to an ICE vehicle, especially around charging. In day to day use, you charge at home and probably never use a public charger. When travelling, you need to factor in charge times and the charging curve of the vehicle. In most cases while on a roadtrip, you probably should be charging to about 80% or so during the day and perhaps to 100% overnight at accommodation. Charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, so this will become easier overtime. You won't be able to go to very extreme remote locations, unless you're within some charging infrastructure range. Portable solar, as noted in the video, just won't cut it for recharging.

I’m still prefer either a diesel or petrol especially for towing but as one comment said this has to be a multi series to really test this car out and one thing is how much will it cost to charge the f150 how long will it take to charge the car up before you can go for your next leg and how quick does the battery last when towing a 20 ft caravan over 1000km. Call me old fashioned but I’m still not keen especially over here in the west coast

Don’t want to be the only one with the negative point of view but here we go It’s a bit of a markup considering these are $80k AUD in the states but to get the base model here it starts at $225k and for the model you got here with the extras looking at $260k plus on roads. Additionally as it’s through AusEV and not Ford there’s no factory warranty. Not really the every day Aussie car that anyone can afford. It’s interesting that’s for sure but unless you have the money for a $260k daily you wouldn’t get one of these. Would be good to see you guys get back to your roots and do the whole touring set up that any Aussie could do like your old 76/79 Or even the old GU.

What a weapon!

Bro, do all of the tests... im here for all of it! absolutely brilliant!

I daily a EV and I can honestly say it’s fantastic. Like you said in the video until infrastructure catches up, they aren’t feasible for long trips. I think Plug in hybrid Dual Cabs will be the happy medium until the infrastructure settles… all the EV motor perks, with the convenience of a petty pump

Already have Tesla and a home charger so this would be very practical as my weekend warrior, Moreton, K’gari, Noosa hinterland etc. Mainly charge off rooftop solar for free. Plenty of Superchargers in SEQ now provided Tesla allows Fords as they do in USA. Main issue is the price.

I'm a dyed in the wool V8 guy, but I think this is pretty cool. Having said that, I went to their website and found out I've gotta drop at $225k for the std poverty pack and $255k for extended range plus whatever options you want. I love the look, power, space and concept, but at the end of the day I can buy two brand new Ranger Raptors for the price of one of these. So that's a no for me...

rebel vs lightning would be sick

traveling around Australia in electric cars and also towing in electric cars have already been done many times its not a question at all if it can be done

A week into my first EV - they are soo good. No downside as a family daily - none. As a long distance tourer of course not but that’s not the point in my opinion. Vehicles are fit for purpose and the fact that my car charges in the garage for a handful of $$ overnight (if needed) is a no brainer. Acceleration next level, silence etc. Reality is that if you haven’t actually driven one… don’t say no until you have.

Nice honest no bullshit review, would love to see the tow test, boat is a very streamlined low drag tow compared to a caravan… but the weight you speak of with the boat tow is still 3 odd tonne so very interested to see. Cheers guys

East coast to west coast race f150 lightning vs f150, standard charging vs normal refueling, who will make it across the country first .

There is no doubt these EV will be the future. Happy to wait til the price comes down and someone comes up with an easy to charge solar converter. Great review Matty and Nav.

BOYS My Ford heart is racing and I'm twelve minutes into this video...wow it looks great so far !!? just finished watching the episode...I would have one in the future when they have more range like 800km or more 🤞⚡⚡🙂

thank you guys so much for taking an open minded approach to the new electric market. At the end of the day they will take over and ICE will be phased out. in the meantime, testing and exposure is needed. that things handled like a weapon in the sand and weighing 2t I think its a win for electric. In time as batteries become more energy dense, they'll be a viable option.

Take it up the old tele track, cape york

Good for around town and weekends but long trips won’t work, you add all the accessories to the lightning and the range will drop with no way to extend it on a conventional f-150 you can just get an extended or secondary fuel tank

at 250 grand for the extended range. No one is.going to be able to afford one

Keen to see the east coast to west coast trip Would be interested to see how practical that might be

Not an EV fan by any means long shot but would love to a crack in one of these. Good episode boys, always entertaining as usual 💪🌟

So cheap to 'fill up" and run, even cheaper at home and free if you use work or home solar. Don't forget no more 12v or gas stuff needed either; Huge battery gives you loads of AC options for Microwaving, Fridges, Kettles, Electric BBQ, TVs, Lighting, etc also running big tools for work like drop-saws, big air-compressors etc straight off the back all for minimal draw. You can even run your whole house off the car for days during a big blackout..

Absolutely love my 2023 Lariat Lightning. I don't take it offroad as I have a 100 series Land Cruiser for that.

So lets crunch the numbers: GVM 3800 - TARE 2885 = Payload 915 - (Not bad!) Braked Towing Capacity 3500 GCM 6700 (Not so good!) So to tow a caravan weighing 3500: 6700 - 3500 = 3200 left for car 3200 - 2885 = 315 Payload for car Payload includes driver and passengers Equates to 3 x 100kg adults and 1 x slab of beer!! 🧐

the WA fast charging network is almost completely online now, you can get from Esperance to Karratha with only 200km between each charger, in a couple of months you'll be able to get from Eucla to Kununarra using fast chargers. Most of the regional chargers are solar powered with bio diesel backup generators. If you can't do East to West I'd be very surprised, people do it all the time in Teslas

I've got one on the way here in Canada and it's 60k out the door with rebates. I think AUS a very long way behind with their EV infrastructure (don't get mad at me I'm Australian) but here it's a no brainer. Apart from charging at home every night we also have as many EV charge spots and Tesla super chargers as gas stations. Realistically even with 400km of range I rarely drive more than that in a day and if I do, a 30 min break to charge isn't the worst thing.

How would you go setting it up for touring with a full 12 volt set up and how would that effect battery life etc

@1:11 IYKYK 🤪🤣🤣🤣 Love the vid guys!

Great ep guys, and after having the truck for a few days I can say it's unreal to drive!

Thanks for the info, always wondered why these EV's haven't incorporated some sort of solar panel charging into the roof yet.

Yes, test the Rebel V Lightning but at Fraser for a week and see how you go!

Great episode lads, I’m all for EVs but 100% against the “efficiency” tax attached and the government forcing us into EVs especially when we aren’t event close to being able to support EV vehicles in this country.

One massive thing every manufacturer needs to look at it black hood linings and pillar trims. The grey just doesn't cut it any more. Especially in 4x4s and Ute's where people are likely to have dirty hands ect. I have the PRO-4X Warrior and it's a massive bug bear of mine.

Only just started this vid but predicting range will be terrible with anything other than unladen road use. Range tests while towing I've seen online from the states are a shockingly bad. Good to see that mainstream manufacturers are having a crack but EV 4wds will be flash suburban daily drivers/ weekend warriors till there's better battery tech available. Diesel is still the most fit for purpose option for touring/ offroading for the time being.

Yeah everyone smiles when they find sports mode. 🤣😎 Best invention on any vehicle.😁 When you can get at least 1000K's on EV's and charge it in the same time it takes to fill a fuel vehicle then i'll think about getting one.

There are so many reported examples (from the US) of short range in real world usage (they are reported to chew more battery on the highway kms than around town), and less than half that when towing. Not ideal for distances we travel in Australia! In the US, they can barely sell any now, dealers are trying to return stock to Ford, and Ford halted production a while ago due to not selling them. Jerry Rig Everything ran tests with towing, and was flat out getting 40% of claimed range. So in Aus, do we want to tow more than 200kms return? Because our charging networks are still slow and far between! Guessing the expected range is like expectation vs reality. Please run more tests lads, then report on the findings after that. Would be great to see what the experience is like going from east to west coasts!

Great job fellas Good to see the new tech getting into the 4wds 1 foot driving makes normal driving seem excessively harder than it needs to be

Definitely want to see use go cross country with it and also test it in like a minimum of 300mm of water to see if it actually can even if it's at a test site. Definitely interesting to see Definitely miss the exhaust sound though. Could see em doing well for city courier and council vehicles for rangers n alike.

I driven the cybertruck and the lightning. The lightning is a great truck but that cybertruck is a different beast!!! Its an incredible truck, the only thing. Its lacking range.. maybe in the near future, tesla can figure that out

Love the Lightning! Own a Black one.

Definitely keen for a tow test with some additional content too

Great review - good work for getting out of your comfort zones

Is the electric variant still as half arsed finished as the new Australian sold petrols? Keypad still on the passengers door, bonnet release still in the left hand side footwell, steering wheel still a little off centre? They had a good opportunity here to take on other brands but halve short cut at a premium price in areas

Lol green rating from plugging them into diesel generators at a mine site....

Keen to see you two have an epic trip across the country in one of those things!

Loaded up for camping and see how it goes range wise. I watched a lot of reviews on it by TFL but the range and cost is a no no

Bring it on. Huge fan

Interesting review. Gives me a bit more confidence in a 4x4 EV. Sill on the fence but leaning to the petrol side from my perspective. They will have their place for sure but definitely not a replacement for gas/ diesel vehicles. They don't seem to be making much of an inroad here in Canada yet. Then again it is a Ford! 🤷🤷🤷

This looks great... would love to have 1 or 2, (his n hers)

Long range test sounds like a great idea too 👌

Would love to see you take it from Queensland to Western Australia for sure!!!

Do you mean first electric 4wd in the world? Cos Rivian have been around a while now. Maybe you meant Australia?

Okay that was really impressive

Pls do a RWT with rear passengers and tow test much appreciated

Love it

I have the same truck here in the US. Just got it 3 months ago, and love it! Paid 52K usd

In the test race with the car on trailer did any else see the brake lights go on on the landcruiser

They are cool, definitely the future but still have a long way to go, just need to get more K's out of the tank.

Lightning vs rebel test for sure 🤙

Love it!! Bring on the EVs

Caravan tow range, off grid charging?, charge time, new battery cost, resale value with 5yo battery, how long will it take to charge your EV in a 5 car cue on a long WE?

Hi guys just wanting to confirm the gvm and gem you mentioned in the video if those figures are correct then if you load it to gvm level you can only tow 2900kg. At that it’s no different to most modern dual cab utes . At least with a cruiser your gvm plus 3500 tow equals your gcm 👍🏻🍺🍺

I'm curious if the EVs have built in some safeties to keep people from driving off with the charging plug still attached. If so, that's an improvement over the gas vehicles. If I could afford an EV, the F150 Lightning would be at the top of my list just because it is a reasonably capable truck. Would love to see a good test of it with a few thousand pounds of gear and pulling a trailer and a mix of off-road and highway driving. EVs seem to do pretty well on the city driving tests, it's the range that makes most of us nervous about it being our only drive.

Do the east to west test, then torcher tow test 👌🤙🏻

Would love to do cross country trip to c if possible in Australia from fule station to fule station

Love

Saw you blokes at Bribie giving it a thrashing. Love to see it

Matty, can you charge the EV battery by using a solar panel?

A tow torture test and fuel/Distance economy test would also be good . BUT you would also have to include time to refuel and charge times and cost of each to be fair and realistic

Love it! Yes, all the above with a tow test, torture test and a trip across Aus in a standard Lighting please...!

front end accidents could get a bit messy with not much there to take force of impact. Long distance you might stuggle as there wouldnt be charging stations everywhere certainly not the more remote you get

Yes we are interested in the new Fords capability to travel across the country towing a caravan - average 3.5t van

Good luck with the river crossings

These trucks are used for towing in Australia, will the charging infrastructure be set up for Charging with the Horse Float/ Caravan/Boat/Trailer…. still hooked up. I personally tow a long Caravan which is not an issue when I fill up the Diesel.

I don’t think so but it’s all my grandkids will know I suppose

I saw an F-150 at Cooloola Beach today and it said EV on the number plates.

Don’t forget your spare “fuel”, huge battery trailer !!

Heck ya. Would consider buying one for sure

Grab the swags guys.

Should be able to customise the start up sound

how would it go for more than 1 day, recharging not easy, solar wont cut it.... tow test and test vs petrol yes please !

It is a interesting debate when you look more into the electric side of things there environmental benefits start to fade away , yes there not producing emissions but the mining and making of those lithium batteries is not grate or the recycling of that lithium . And when it is being recharged 7.5 kw is a lot of power for one car to be taking several houses could run on that , were is that power coming from well most of our power is from fossil fuel ... so you get several cars charging at once and that is really taking a lot of power out of the grid . The power and torque you get from and electric motor is amazing they would out tow a combustion engine by miles but at there present stage of design use to much energy to do so , if they could get these vehicles to be self efficient and charge on the go with out being plugged into the main grid that would be getting somewhere . The thing is that the technology is out there but if you have a look at our history it has been badly suppressed for anything that makes it cheaper or cost effective to run by the big powers to be ... power and money rules it all which would be a debate for another time . Awesome test Guys loved that you tried to get it bogged very impressed how it just pulls out the electronics would be taking over god help you if any water got into that and especially salt water 🙂🤙

Interesting. Would be interested in knowing - if I had solar on my house and a charger for, what what be the costs compared to fuel? Would I need a battery bank to make it worth while? if I worked a 7-5 job? or could I run a vehicle like this off normal home elec and still be economical. What would be cost diff between running a diesel or electric? Keen to see how long it lasts on towing and power usage. Keen to see how you go for from say Sydney to Cape. Can it be charged from solar and generator and how would it take? Good to see you guys pushing the envelope

Its cool, but it isnt Raptor R supercharged v8 cool

I love my Lightning⚡⚡⚡

Love it.

Can't wait to see how much cheaper it will be once Ford actually starts bringing them in.

Yes towing test and can you put more battery for more ks

Do a tow test and drive across country guys.😊